Sojourner Truth: A Women's Rights Activist

Born in New York when slaves were thought “mindless” “incapable of learning”, Isabella Baumfree, later known as Sojourner Truth, was in for a hard yet revolutionary life. She was both an abolitionist and a women's rights activist. She is best known for her renowned speech, “Ain't I a Woman”, which brought to attention racial inequalities. She talked to Abraham LIncoln about her beliefs, and argued relentlessly against an apathetic congress, trying to change . She did all she could to make life better for those who were treated unfairly.

As with any good story, one must first start at the beginning to fully grasp the full picture. Sojourner Truth was born in 1797 into a family with as many as twelve children to slave parent James and Elizabeth Baumfree. The Baumfree owner, Colonel Hardenbergh, spoke mainly Dutch, so Isabella grew up knowing little English. Soon the Colonel died, and the Baumfrees became the possessions of Charles Hardenbergh. In 1806, Charles died, and the nine-year-old Isabella was sold along with a flock of sheep for $100. She had been sold to John Neely, an uncouth man. Sojourner was to be sold twice more in the following two years, finally ending up with a man named John Dumont. While she lived with SOmeone, she learned

It was founded by abolitionists, and fought for women's rights and pacifism. Though it disbanded in 1846, she soon began with other projects. Sojourner published her life experience in 1850. Her book was published under the title The Narrative of Sojourner Truth: A Northern Slave. Also in 1850, Sojourner spoke at a Women's convention and began touring with the abolitionist George Thompson. During the Civil war, Sojourner supplied troops with food and clothing. She also worked for the Freedman Bureau during the Civil War, and supported those who were newly